The C³ project was a coordinated effort to advance the use of carbon‑reinforced concrete across Germany, with a particular focus on the economic and scientific integration of new technologies into the construction sector. The initiative was structured around an initial concept (C3‑S1) and a subsequent strategic framework (C3‑S2), which guided the nine work packages that comprised the project’s core activities. The consortium, led by the non‑profit association C³ e. V., brought together partners from industry, academia, and public policy, and maintained close ties with other national networks such as Zwanzig20, futureTEX, smart³, futureSAX, and the Initiative Leichtbau. Funding was provided through a German federal programme, although the report does not specify the exact grant body.

Technically, the project produced a suite of baseline technologies that addressed key market barriers to the adoption of carbon concrete. These included scalable manufacturing processes, material characterisation protocols, and application guidelines that could be directly integrated into existing construction workflows. The consortium also developed a “results house” – a repository of data and best practices – and carried out gap‑closure studies to identify remaining technical challenges. While no patents or intellectual property filings emerged from the first phase (C3‑I), the knowledge generated was intended to underpin future research and development projects, thereby sustaining Germany’s leadership in this field. The project’s outputs were disseminated through peer‑reviewed publications, industry workshops, and targeted information sessions for managers and technical staff. In the medium term, the consortium planned to publish findings in journals and present at conferences, thereby extending the impact beyond the immediate partnership to the wider construction and materials science communities.

The collaboration model emphasised the efficient use of human and material resources. Qualified staff, supported by student and scientific assistants, carried out the day‑to‑day tasks, while external services such as legal counsel and market studies were contracted to fill expertise gaps. Physical infrastructure – including rented workshop spaces and a custom‑built trade‑fair booth – was acquired to enable hands‑on demonstrations and stakeholder engagement. Regular internal communication was facilitated through an online platform, quarterly newsletters (reaching up to 580 recipients), and a series of workshops on communication and public relations. These activities ensured that all partners shared a consistent message and that knowledge transfer within the consortium remained robust.

The project’s regional focus on the new federal states (the former East Germany) was reflected in targeted outreach and the selection of partner organisations. By aligning the technical results with the specific needs of this economic region, the consortium aimed to stimulate local industry, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen regional supply chains. Long‑term, the C³ initiative seeks to embed the developed technologies into national and international markets, thereby preserving Germany’s competitive advantage in carbon‑concrete construction and fostering sustainable development across the construction sector.